HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 20968: TRANSIT TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES SET-ASIDE (TA) GRANT City of Port Arthur
Transit Department
Memorandum
To: Ron Burton,Interim City Manager
From: Ivan Mitchell,Transit Director
Date: August 5,2019
Re: P.R.20968—Port Arthur Transit's Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside(TA)Grant
Nature of Request: Port Arthur Transit's (PAT) 2109 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside
(TA)Grant in response to the Texas Department of Transportation's call for projects.
Background: The City of Port Arthur's 2015 Port Arthur Downtown Revitalization Plan (hereinafter
called the Downtown Plan) establishes a common image for Downtown Port Arthur as a once again
livable,healthy and economically vibrant community destination. Elements of the adopted Downtown
Plan focus on making Downtown Port Arthur a more walkable urban center and an attractive place for
residents,businesses,city services,and visitors.
Seawall Drive is a unique linear trail extending south of Lamar State College, adjacent to the Gulf
Intracoastal Waterway. Seawall Drive provides vehicular and pedestrian access along with parking.
However, no significant urban design improvements or site amenities are provided. The Downtown
Plan calls for the existing Seawall Drive trail to be incorporated into a future downtown trail network
encompassing the existing boardwalk and Thomas Boulevard trail, with new trails along Stilwell
Boulevard and a side path trail along 4th Street.
Specifically,this proposed project will construct enhancements to the Seahawk Drive shared use path
(SUP). The SUP along Seawall Drive will be resurfaced along with new surface striping to delineate
the between the road sections. The existing shared use path(SUP)will be maintained along the Gulf
Intracoastal Waterway side,but the SUP will have spaces for three or four new rest areas with benches,
trash receptacles and shade structures. In addition,branding banner poles will be installed along Seawall
Drive. The SUP along Seawall Drive is the most heavily utilized path in the City for bikers and
pedestrians.
Recommendation: This is an informational resolution for City Council's review.
Budgetary/Fiscal Effect: The Downtown Port Arthur SUP/Seawall Drive Project is submitted as a TA
project which requires an 80/20 match. The preliminary engineering estimate is $665,000.00 which
requires a$133,000.00 local match.
P.R. No. 20968
07/22/2019 IM
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING AUTHORIZATION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF PORT ARTHUR TRANSIT'S INTENT TO PARTICIPATE
IN AND APPLY FOR THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION'S 2019 TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES SET-
ASIDE (TA) GRANT PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has issued a call for
projects for it 2019 Transportation Alternatives set-aside (TA) grant program for small urban
areas; and,
WHEREAS, TxDOT's interest is in projects that meet the department's safety, mobility,
and connectivity goals such as improving the mobility of individuals with disabilities, connecting
important community destinations and providing access to or between existing bicycle and
pedestrian facilities,public transportation, or other mobility options; and,
WHEREAS, PAT is requesting authorization to submit a competitive grant application,
which if awarded the project will be placed on TxDOT's Conditional Project List for future
federal TA appropriations related to FY2021 —FY2022.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR:
THAT, the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct.
THAT, the City Council hereby authorizes PAT to applying for grants under TxDOT's
TA grant program for the submitted projects.
THAT, a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the City
Council.
READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this day of A.D. 2019 at a
Regular Meeting of the City of Port Arthur,Texas by the following vote: AYES:
Mayor:
Councilmembers:
P.R. No. 20968
07/22/2019 IM
NOES:
Thurman "Bill" Bartie. Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
,iti► /
4 he 40(P61-
Val _ en 'ity Attorney
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION: APPROVED AS TO AVAILABILITY
OF FUNDS:
6k CA/N..,0 /Uck._... 0
Ronald Burton Kandy Daniell
Interim City Manager Interim Director of Finance
Clifton Williams, CPPB Ivan Mitchell
Purchasing Manger Transit Director